Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

World Poetry Day

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 42 Silence after Compline
Mass: Jer 17:5-10; Resp Ps 1; Lk 16:19-31

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.

When have I neglected or ignored the Lazarus at my door? Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions (Ps 50:1).

To Keep a True Lent
by Robert Herrick

Is this a Fast, to keep
The larder lean?
And clean
From fat of veals and sheep?

Is it to quit the dish
Of flesh, yet still
To fill
The platter high with fish?

Is it to fast an hour,
Or ragg'd to go,
Or show
A down-cast look and sour?

No: 'tis a Fast to dole
Thy sheaf of wheat
And meat
Unto the hungry soul.

It is to fast from strife
And old debate,
And hate;
To circumcise thy life.

To show a heart grief-rent;
To starve thy sin;
Not bin;
And that's to keep thy Lent.